NFL and Roc Nation Unveil 2025 Songs of the Season with Clipse Leading Star-Studded Lineup

Legendary hip-hop duo returns with “Ace Trumpets” as the NFL’s season-long music initiative showcases diverse talent across all platforms

New York, NY — The National Football League and Roc Nation have launched their 2025 Songs of the Season initiative, a comprehensive music program that will integrate new tracks from established legends and emerging artists across all NFL platforms throughout the 2025-2026 season. The program continues the league’s commitment to supporting social justice through its Inspire Change platform while providing fans with a dynamic soundtrack that captures the energy and culture of professional football.

Clipse Headlines with Long-Awaited Return

Leading this year’s carefully curated playlist is “Ace Trumpets,” the explosive new single from Clipse, the legendary Virginia Beach hip-hop duo comprised of brothers Pusha T and Malice. The track comes from their highly anticipated album “Let God Sort Em Out,” marking their first studio release in over 15 years and setting the stage for their first U.S. tour in nearly two decades.

Clipse’s inclusion represents a significant moment for both the NFL and hip-hop culture. The duo carved their place in music history with a trilogy of acclaimed albums — “Lord Willin’,” “Hell Hath No Fury,” and “Til The Casket Drops” — all executive produced by Pharrell Williams, who helped shape their distinctive storytelling approach and sonic identity.

Multi-Platform Integration Strategy

The Songs of the Season initiative demonstrates the NFL’s sophisticated approach to music integration, with tracks featured across the league’s extensive media ecosystem. Fans will encounter the playlist through NFL Network programming, NFL+ streaming content, @NFL social media channels, in-game broadcasts, stadium sound systems, and individual club social platforms.

This comprehensive distribution strategy ensures maximum exposure for participating artists while creating consistent musical branding across the NFL’s diverse touchpoints. The integration reflects the league’s understanding of music’s central role in fan experience and game-day atmosphere.

“Music is central to the way fans experience the NFL, and Songs of the Season is one way we bring that connection to life,” explained Angela Ellis, vice president of original content & entertainment for the NFL. “Together with Roc Nation, we’re celebrating artists who shape culture, giving players and fans a soundtrack that reflects the energy of the game.”

Diverse Genre Representation

The 2025 playlist showcases remarkable genre diversity, reflecting the NFL’s broad fanbase and commitment to musical inclusivity. Beyond Clipse’s hip-hop leadership, the lineup features funk legend Bootsy Collins collaborating with Barbie T and Zillatron on “Barbie T & Me,” demonstrating the program’s intergenerational appeal.

Rock representation comes through Dorothy’s “Superhuman,” while Latin music influence appears via DJ Snake and J Balvin’s “Noventa.” The playlist also highlights emerging talent through tracks like Flau’jae’s “Courtside” featuring Waka Flocka Flame, HDBeenDope’s “Percy Miller,” and collaborative efforts from NicoTheOwl & Rhyan Besco with “Who Gon’ Tell ‘Em.”

Social Justice Integration

The Songs of the Season initiative continues supporting the NFL’s Inspire Change platform, which advances social justice causes through various league programs. This connection demonstrates how the NFL leverages its cultural influence to promote meaningful social impact while celebrating artistic expression.

The partnership with Roc Nation, founded by Jay-Z, adds significant credibility to these social justice efforts, given the company’s track record of supporting artists who address social issues through their music and platform.

Streaming Availability and Fan Access

The complete NFL Songs of the Season playlist is immediately available on Apple Music and all major streaming platforms, ensuring broad accessibility for fans across different musical preferences and technology platforms. This multi-platform availability maximizes the initiative’s reach while providing convenient access for NFL audiences.

The streaming strategy also allows for real-time playlist updates throughout the season, potentially adding new tracks as the campaign evolves and responds to fan engagement metrics.

Cultural Impact and Industry Significance

The partnership between the NFL and Roc Nation represents more than traditional sports marketing, functioning as a cultural bridge between professional football and contemporary music. By featuring both established legends like Clipse and Bootsy Collins alongside emerging artists, the program creates opportunities for cross-generational fan engagement.

The initiative also provides valuable exposure for developing artists while associating their music with one of America’s most popular entertainment properties. For established artists like Clipse, the partnership offers a platform to reach new audiences during their highly anticipated comeback.

Looking Forward

As the 2025 NFL season progresses, the Songs of the Season initiative will continue evolving, with tracks integrated into key moments throughout the campaign. The program’s success will likely influence future collaborations between professional sports leagues and music industry partners, potentially setting new standards for how athletic entertainment incorporates musical culture.

The diverse playlist reflects contemporary America’s musical landscape while supporting the NFL’s broader cultural initiatives. As fans experience these tracks across multiple platforms throughout the season, the Songs of the Season program promises to create lasting connections between music, sports, and social impact.

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